Des Plaines Public Library has a Sister Library relationship with the Biblioteca Benjamin Franklin in Zapopan, Mexico outside Guadalajara. We have had two staff exchanges. First we hosted a librarian from the Biblioteca Benjamin Franklin for one week. Our visiting Mexican librarian observed public service desks, attended meetings, and acquired a small taste of Chicago and American public libraries to share with his colleagues back home. In April 2008 one of us spent one week in Mexico immersed in Mexican culture. She toured rural and city libraries (public, academic, special) in the Guadalajara region and spent several days learning how the unique Biblioteca Benjamin Franklin operates.

In 2008 we had two projects (in addition to the one-week librarian visit): (1) children’s book exchange, (2) children’s artwork exchange.

Children’s book exchange: We selected Spanish translations of popular & classic American children’s books, labeled them with our library bookplates, and mailed the package to our Sister Library’s tiny children’s section. Our goal was to share a typical American child's experience.

Children’s artwork exchange: We held a Youth Services program where children made collage drawings illustrating themselves and their families. We attached a photo of each child to the art. We then hand-delivered the pictures on our next book-buying trip to Mexico. In exchange, our Sister Library gave us a selection of artwork made by their local children, which we will soon display. We wanted to bring our patrons directly into the Sister Library project and thought children would be the best voices of culture. We hope that ultimately our children and their Mexican peers will learn about each other's lives and culture.